DrivingTasmania2023

Breakfast at the B&B was magnificent. From home-made croissants to an incredible range of fruit to a cooked breakfast – highlight of trip food-wise. I did a quick viewing of the farm and we set off to Cradle Mountain.

We drove to Cradle Mountain. After an attempted break-in through the boom gates (Grubbie insisted we could do it despite us all reading signs saying we couldn’t), we parked and read the fine-print. Sheepishly, we returned to the information centre to validate our passes and catch the shuttle bus.

We split into two groups with Mark, Michael and Wayne heading for Marion’s Lookout and the rest of us walking the 6km around Dove Lake.

We finally found a small beach to sit for a bit (about the 4km mark). A little boy had his sandwich stolen by a currawong and immediately after, I was attacked by another Cradle Mountain Creature. As I stepped up onto the platform, I thought the currawong was attacking my heels. As I glanced down, I thought it was a python. I can report that I did scream and run on air for a few seconds until reassured by my group. ‘It’s just a stick!’

Wayne didn’t quite make it to the lookout. It became very rocky and steep and his aversion to heights set in. He decided to sit it out and wait for the other two to complete the ascent. His effort was still highly commendable. He did say that Grubbie and Michael were like mountain GOATs (Greatest Of All Time). Step aside, Nathan Lyon.

Amazingly, both groups arrived at the end intersection of the two walks at basically the same time. We caught the Shuttle bus back and began our drive to Strahan.

Accommodation in Strahan is interesting. It has a rustic feel but is incredibly basic. Wayne and I also have an ablutions block that is making regular and disturbing noises.

We went to the hotel bar for dinner and drinks.

#1 Play of the day: Donna asking if death adders are dangerous.

#2 & 3 Plays of the day: Michael and Mark for their mountain goat effort.

Left Smithton at 8:30 and drove to Stanley.

Visited Highfield Historic Site where we were entertained by the caretaker who was a font about everything – weather to the best drives to a deep knowledge about the European settlement of this part of Tasmania (I can still picture him running outside the big window in his haste to turn off the hose so he could rejoin us and regale his many stories).

We then drove down to The Nut and commenced the 400m steep ascent to the top. It was hard going, particularly when a man ran past us, but we did it.

Robyn and I also elected to take the chair lift down. No way was Wayne getting on an open chair lift so he and the boys walked down.

My friend, Brian, had told us about Stanley having the best scallop pies but alas we weren’t sure where those ‘best’ ones were and it was a public holiday. We ended up at a seafood shop and enjoying fish and chips and seafood baskets on the grass (surrounded by well-fed seagulls).

We commenced the drive to Glencoe B&B (near Sheffield), stopping for fuel and a couple of scenic stops on the way.

Seven of us went into Sheffield, had a quick look around the town, ordered dinner and came back for a quiet night in.

Today was a day of touring the North-west of Tasmania.

Drive was a bit windy – not good for fragile stomachs. Walks were a little over-estimated eg 15 minute walk only took about eight!

First stop was Trowutta Arch. We did get to see the Beautiful Tree.

The sink hole was fascinating – would not want to end up in there.

We drove to Milkshake Hills (walk that took all of 8 minutes) and then to Sumac Lookout.

We then drove to the Edge of the World where it was incredibly windy.

Once we returned to the lodgings, we all did our own thing before meeting at the Sports Bar. Everyone had a game of pool with the one by the girls probably taking the longest time in history.

Awards were given for player of the day. The prize – wearing the prestigious bucket hat which had been earned through great sacrifice – buying two Canadian Clubs on tap.

Michael received one for his unfortunate incident with a wallaby and Wayne for his story telling the previous night. Karen received an award for battling through a horrible bug and still smiling each day despite feeling really lousy. Robyn’s New Year Resolution was the Day 2 Play of the day.

On our way home, we stocked up ready for our farm stay and some of us enjoyed a night cap in Robbie and Al’s room.

We departed Brisbane at 5pm and arrived in Launceston just before 8:30pm (daylight saving). No incidents except Wayne thought his mouthwash had ruptured in his bag as his bag was a little wet on the outside.

Got our cars and we weren’t even out of the airport when it began. Wayne driving, Mark navigating and a little debate over which way to go.

By the time we reached the accommodation, all food outlets were shut. Mark, Donna, Wayne and I retired for the night while the others indulged in Uber Eats.

Day 2

Robyn, Al, Wayne and I went for an early morning walk. I think Al is intent on taking over the leadership role. Map in hand, he was a wonderful guide through parts of Launceston.

After breakfast and a quick study of the map, we got on the road heading north to Smithton.

We drove through a number of places, stopping at Devonport for lunch.

Our carload nearly ended up at the Bacon Factory but luckily Siri re-calibrated and we found our Tall Timbers residence at Smithton. We checked in and immediately retired to the sports bar for an afternoon of frivolity. No luck on the Keno or horses (or winning the bar maid’s approval) but we sure had a good time. Especially when Wayne, egged on by Donna, regaled his Duxton story for the millionth time.

Dinner in the restaurant followed by a round of tequila and lemonades (courtesy of Michael) to see in the New Year (our time 9:30 Kids’ fireworks). We lasted until about 10:30 with some of us ready to kick-on. Thankfully those un-named individuals were convinced to quit while ahead.

Happy New Year everyone!